Background
As most California residents are well aware, earthquakes are a part of Southern California culture. Damage to vulnerable buildings, physical injury, loss of life, and economic loss are some of the most apparent threats from earthquakes. Certain types of buildings in California built under earlier versions of the building code have characteristics that may make them vulnerable to earthquakes.
Standards
An Ordinance providing seismic strengthening standards of a Soft Story building vulnerability, is adopted.
In order to assist owners seeking to seismically strengthen other types of building vulnerabilities Culver City Municipal Code Section 15.02.145 provides minimum design standards for Unreinforced Masonry Building Wall Buildings (California Existing Building Code Section A1), Reinforced Concrete and Reinforced Masonry Wall Buildings with Flexible Diaphragms (California Existing Building Code Section A2), and Cripple Walls and Sill Plate Anchorage of Light, Wood-Frame Residential Buildings (California Existing Building Code Section A3).
Grants
The Earthquake Brace and Bolts (EBB) Program developed by the California Earthquake Authority (CEA) and California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) to help lessen the potential for damage to houses during an earthquake with Cripple Wall and Sill Plate Anchorage of Light, Wood-Frame building vulnerabilities.
The EBB Program provides eligible homeowners a grant up to $3,000. Low-income homeowners may qualify for a supplemental grant, which is additional funding over and above the EBB $3,000 grant.
Visit the EBB Program for more information, check eligibility, and sign up for notifications. Registration usually opens in October and lasts a month.